National Espresso Day ~ November 23

I don't drink coffee, but if I did I think I'd drink espresso...
Espresso is a concentrated coffee that is brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through extremely fine ground coffee.  Developed in Italy in the early 20th century, the word espresso is Italian for "pressed out."  
Luigi Bezzera patented the first espresso machine in 1903, when he discovered he was able to use trapped steam to force water through the grounds and was able to reduce the time it took to make his coffee.
There are a variety of home machines if you'd like to brew some of your own.

National Cashew Day ~ November 22

My Favorite Nut!!!  Wish I could find a good sale on them today.

If you are familiar with how the cashew is grown you understand why it is a tasty but expense snack.  Not only are cashews good on their own, they are often used in recipes and candy confections.

Add cashews to your dinner menu tonight with this Garlic buttered broccoli with cashews...

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped salted cashews

1. Place the broccoli into a large pot with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. Bring to a boil, and cook for 7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Drain, and arrange broccoli on a serving platter.
2. While the broccoli is cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Mix in the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper and garlic. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Mix in the cashews, and pour the sauce over the broccoli. Serve immediately.

November 21 ~ World Television Day

You might think that this is a funny day to honor our favorite baby-sitter, the boob tube...but in fact, November 21st was proclaimed World Television Day by the United Nations to commemorate the first World Television Forum in 1996.  The idea is that we recognize and appreciate the usefulness of the broadcast media to enlighten and educate and bring the people of the world closer together.
Will you be watching something enlightening and educational tonight?  Cook up a TV dinner, get comfy on the couch, and enjoy!

National Adoption Day ~ November 20

Gee I hope I don't have to go adopt something today, I already have a houseful (pets that is, all my kids are grown ups)... 

Joking again of course, this day is about child adoption.  You may have seen the recent commercials thanking everyone, birth families, adoptive families, etc for their participation in adoption. National Adoption Day is sponsored by a variety of organizations to celebrate "A family for every child."  Today the family courts across the country will break records on the number of foster children that will be adopted.


There are all kinds of adoption story out there, if you're interested in know my personal story involving adoption you can read about it on my Hub Page.

November 19, 2010 ~ World Toilet Day

I have to admit, I really thought this one was a hoax...but, not only is it on the level, The World Toilet Organization even has their own website that you can visit. WTO is a non-profit organization founded in 2001, with the idea to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide.

I made sure that you have plenty of options for cards and gifts to celebrate World Toilet Day at my Zazzle shop...

Create a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Happy flushing!!!

Great American Smoke Out ~ November 18

This is a moving holiday and is celebrated every year on the 3rd Thursday in November.  Sponsored by The American Cancer Society, their site is full of useful information to get you through the day, and continue on to become smoke-free.

And once that smoker in your family has quit...make sure to send them a pat on the back.

November 17 ~ Happy GIS Day

I suppose we should start out by finding out what GIS means...

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. Use this link to learn more about GIS and why it's important.  GIS Day is a moving holiday, and is always celebrated on the Wednesday of GIS week.

I'll leave you to your own devices to learn about GIS... but will share with you a similar activity that my son taught me about... Geo-caching.  All you need is a GPS tracking device, a few trinkets in your pocket, and some free time....  oh yeah, some bug spray is helpful too, and a flashlight, and water, and a rope...  Just kidding, as long as you don't trust my son to be your guide you'll be fine.  Should I tell you about our adventures?  You might think I was trying to discourage you from this fun activity if I did... But, if any of my family reads this it will definitely make them laugh.

 

 

National Fast Food Day ~ November 16

Well I suppose having a day to eat "fast food" guilt free isn't such a bad thing.  At Fast Foods.com you can get a rundown on the nutritional values of some popular fast food meals.

What's your favorite fast food joint?

McDonalds

Burger King

Taco Bell 

Wendy's 

Chick-fil-A 

Sonic 

Just a few of the many... Check out Wikipedia for a very long list with links to your favorites.

November 15 ~ America Recycles Day

What a great idea for a holiday! The goal for today will be to see just how much you can recycle. Don't forget that doesn't just mean glass bottles and aluminum cans... There's an old saying..."waste not, want not"   Think about re-purposing those things that cannot be recycled.  No, I'm not suggesting you turn your old toilet into a planter for the front lawn...but I'm sure you can think of some ideas.  Before you throw it away try to think of what else you might use it for.  An old towel=cut up for dusting rags
A chipped dish=saucer for a planter
Old Tee Shirt (with some snipping and sewing)=grocery sack
Shower curtain=drop cloth
I found tons of ideas by doing a quick internet search:
Tip Nut's long list of ideas
Young House Love blog
Ideas from Hillbilly Houswife
E-How's ideas
ecocheckout.com has tons of useful information
These are just a few...

Make personalized gifts at Zazzle.

November 8 ~ National Harvey Wallbanger Day

Bottoms up!!!

Stir 3 parts vodka and 6 parts orange juice in a collins glass with ice. Float 1 part Galliano on top.  Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Before you have one too many try these super delicious looking cupcakes....

Recipe found at Cocktail Cupcakes for Your Bachelorette Party Supplies. 

If you are in need of Party Supplies (keep in mind these are not kids parties) they seem to have it all...  

I will definitely be trying some of those cupcakes!!

November 7 ~ Happy Birthday Johnny Rivers

WHO???

Saxophone Day ~ November 6

The inventor of the Saxophone, Adolph Sax was born November 6, 1814... hence today is "Saxophone Day"  And the best way to celebrate today??? Listen to some great sax music of course.

 

If you're a sax player or know someone who is, we have a great tie available at our Zazzle shop...

Saxophone Tie by What_Knot_Ties
Browse more Sax Ties

Doughnut Appreciation Day ~ November 5

If you want to truly appreciate the doughnut you'll want to know all about the history of the doughnut in America...
Too bad this wasn't a subject in school, I might have actually gotten an A in this class.

November 4 ~ King Tut Day

King Tut Day is celebrated on November 4th, the day that the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered.   For more information about King Tut and other Ancient Egyptian information check out this website KingTutOne.com

Some King Tut collectibles and other fun stuff available from Amazon...

 

National Sandwich Day ~ November 3

Today is the anniversary of the birthday of the fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu. Montagu was a British statesman who held various political and military offices. He did not invent the modern day sandwich, but it appears that the sandwich was named after him. Legend has it that he ordered his valet to bring him some meat tucked between two slices of bread. Since he was the Earl of Sandwich, others began to order "the same as Sandwich" which in time just became a sandwich.

Some sandwich recipe books and sandwich making goodies for you to try...

 

November 2 ~ Day of the Dead

You might think that this day has something to do with Halloween, but it doesn't.  This is a Mexican holiday to honor friends and family members who have died.  The Day of the Dead is a time of celebration, where partying and eating is common.  According to Wikipedia, traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Design a personalized gift at Zazzle.

All Saints Day ~ November 1

In the middle ages the Roman Catholic church celebrated with festivals hundreds of religious faithful saints and martyrs.  I came to pass that there were so many of these festival days that they decided to combine the lesser ones into one day which became known as "All Saints' Day."  As a religious holiday, there aren't any weird or wacky ways to celebrate, so you're on your own to decide how you want to make this day special.  Whatever it is you come up with as your holiday plans for the day...ENJOY!!!